The second blog in the series 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘗𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘣𝘺 𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘥𝘢
In recent news, the American Psychological Association (APA) issued a long-awaited apology, recognizing the deeply rooted racism that has historically been incorporated into psychological tests and therapy techniques. As a psychologist with over 30 years of experience, I have always harbored a strong aversion to applying these tools to groups of people without considering the implications of misdiagnosis and mislabeling. It’s a relief to see that these concerns have finally been acknowledged, and I am hopeful that this will bring about a shift in the way we approach so-called evidence-based therapies and tests. The critical question we must continually ask is, “Based on what evidence?”
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed numerous individuals subjected to tests and therapies that were developed on a norm group that does not adequately represent the diversity of human experiences. As a result, people walked away with diagnoses that were, more often than not, incorrect or incomplete. This practice has perpetuated stereotypes and biases, leading to a long history of individuals being misunderstood, mislabeled, and mistreated.
It was precisely these concerns that inspired me to establish Sane Psychologen 14 years ago. My hope was to guide and accompany individuals on their healing journeys while preserving their unique identities and understanding their personal narratives. My belief has always been in treating people with the heart, rather than reducing them to a set of symptoms and a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.
Remaining curious has been the guiding principle behind my approach. I have consistently strived to look beyond the surface and delve deeper to understand the underlying factors that contribute to a person’s psychological well-being. This means never applying techniques and tests without careful consideration of their purpose and applicability to the unique individual sitting in front of me.
The apology from the APA is a significant step in acknowledging the need for change within the field of psychology. It is a call to action for psychologists and therapists alike, urging us to examine our practices critically and challenge the status quo. We must recognize that psychological well-being is not one-size-fits-all, and the tools we use should reflect that reality.
As we move forward, it is crucial to remember that each individual carries a story, a history, and an identity that deserves to be honored and understood. Let us use this moment as an opportunity to reevaluate the way we approach our profession. Let us treat our clients with the respect, empathy, and individualized care that they deserve. By doing so, we can truly help them on their journey to healing, without losing sight of their unique identities. In the end, it is the heart and the genuine curiosity to understand each person’s story that will lead us to better, more effective, and more compassionate.
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